Charges filed against employees of hog operation

October 31, 2008

Statement from MowMar Farms in response to charges filed against some farm employees by Greene County Sheriff's office: BAYARD, IA Ð MowMar farms was informed last week that the Greene County Sheriff and County Attorney's Office have filed charges against six former employees involved in past mistreatment of animals at its newly-acquired pig/swine operation in Bayard, Iowa, documented in video footage released by PETA last month. MowMar farms expressed surprise and outrage over the images of animal mistreatment depicted in video footage released by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) on September 16th, 2008 Ð less than one month after MowMar purchased the farm. Representatives of MowMar farms immediately met with PETA to review their allegations and hear their suggestions for corrective action. On September 17th, MowMar publicly committed to implement a series of investigative, disciplinary and corrective actions. MowMar's ongoing internal investigations into past activities resulted in the termination of some farm employees. All six employees charged by the Greene County Sheriff and Attorney are no longer employed at the farm. MowMar owners and management will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and review the findings from the Sheriff's Office investigation. Further, based on new evidence, Suidae Health & Production, the farm management firm, has terminated the manager of the farm. All existing and new employees receive extensive and ongoing training to ensure that our 'zero-tolerance policy' with respect to mistreatment or abuse of farm animals is upheld.